Image 1: Alfonzo Jordaan
Image 2: Paul ‘Smoothdice’ Thompson
Image 3: Aimee Rubino
Press Release – 22 June 2026
Saldanha Bay, Western Cape (20 June 2026) – More than 1,500 runners, walkers and supporters gathered in Saldanha Bay on Saturday for the inaugural Saldanha Sea Harvest Foundation Health Run, a community event dedicated to promoting health, wellness and community upliftment across the West Coast.
Against the backdrop of spectacular winter sunshine, participants of all ages took part in the 21.1km half-marathon, 10km road race and 5km fun run/walk, bringing together local residents, athletics clubs, schools and visitors from across the region.
In the 21.1km half-marathon, Paul ‘Smoothdice’ Thompson of Boxer Athletics Club WP crossed the line first in an impressive 1:18:25, while Aimee Rubino won the women’s race in 1:30:44. In the 10km race, Alfonzo Jordaan of Langebaan Strandlopers Athletics Club claimed the men’s title in 31:54, while Ashali Pholman of Langebaan Athletics Club won the women’s race in 41:48.
Executive Mayor of Saldanha Bay, Alderman Marius Koen, welcomed participants, supporters and visitors to the event.
“This event is about much more than running. It’s about promoting healthy lifestyles, bringing communities together and showcasing the incredible spirit of Saldanha Bay and the West Coast,” he said.
Koen added that events such as these attract visitors to the region, support the local economy and create lasting benefits for local communities.
“I would like to thank all participants, sponsors and organisers for helping make this event such a success. We hope this will become a proud annual tradition for Saldanha Bay,” he said.
The atmosphere throughout the morning was electric as runners crossed the finish line to cheers from family, friends and supporters, while food stalls and family-friendly activities added to the festive occasion.
Beyond the sporting achievements, the event delivered meaningful support to local causes, with donations of R5,000 each made to the Shilton Van Wyk Foundation and Siyabonga Care Village, supporting youth development and community upliftment initiatives in the region.
More than 250 Sea Harvest employees participated in the event, reflecting the company’s deep roots in Saldanha Bay and its commitment to supporting local initiatives.
Sea Harvest Foundation Chairperson Terence Brown paid tribute to Leonie Vorster, founder of the event and owner of Weskus Events, for her passion and commitment to growing the race.
“To see the event grow from 175 entries four years ago to more than 1,500 participants this year is extraordinary,” he said. “It has been a fantastic collaboration between the Sea Harvest Foundation, Boland Athletics, Top Events, local athletics clubs, volunteers, sponsors, the municipality and the wider community.”
Vorster said the overwhelming support for the event reflected the strength and spirit of the local community.
“Saldanha is going places. We are putting Saldanha on the map. This is going to be one of the biggest events on the West Coast,” she said.
Kevin Lodge, Director of Top Events, said: “This year’s event exceeded all expectations and saw a substantial increase in participation. We look forward to welcoming everyone to next year’s Saldanha Sea Harvest Foundation Health Run.”